Voltaire Network has learned from reliable sources that a French officer was taken prisoner by the Syrian National Army on Monday, 27 February 2012, at Azouz (Idlib district, near the Turkish border).

The arrest brings to 19 (nineteen) the number of French prisoners held by Damascus.

Negotiations for their release are underway via the Russian Federation, the United Arab Emirates and the Sultanate of Oman.

During this period, the UAE distanced itself from from the common position of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and decided to adopt a neutral stance. Hence, they have banned all demonstrations, pro- or anti-Syrian, on their territory.

Related articles:
– “France opens negotiations with Syria to recover its 18 agents”, Voltaire Network, 27 February 2012.
– “France’s secret war against the Syrian people”, Voltaire Network, 22 February 2012.
– “End of game in the Middle East”, by Thierry Meyssan, Komsomolskaïa Pravda, Voltaire Network, 14 February 2012.
– "Syrie : 5 questions à Thierry Meyssan," Voltaire Network TV, YouTube, 14 February 2012.